ANKARA, Turkey – The draws for the first day of competition at the Yasar Dogu International have been set.

Competition will be held on Friday at 55 kg/121 lbs. and at 74 kg/163 lbs. The U.S. has three entries at 55 kg and no entries at 74 kg.

2011 U.S. World Team member Nick Simmons (Corvallis, Ore./Sunkist Kids) will face Mihail Ivanov of Russia in the first round at 55 kg/121 lbs.

Simmons was fifth in the 2011 World Championships. Ivanov was second in the 2008 Junior World Championships and third in the 2009 Junior World Championships.

Also in the opening round at 55 kg/121 lbs., two U.S. athletes will face each other, 2010 U.S. World Team member Obe Blanc (Stillwater, Okla./Gator WC) and 2010 U.S. World Team Trials runner-up Angel Escobedo (Columbus, Ohio/New York AC).

TheMat.com will provide updates each day from Ankara.

YASAR DOGU INTERNATIONAL
At Ankara, Turkey

U.S. men’s freestyle draws for Friday

55 kg/121 lbs. – Nick Simmons, Corvallis, Ore. (Sunkist Kids)
Vs. Mihail Ivanov (Russia)

55 kg/121 lbs. – Obe Blanc, Stillwater, Okla. (Gator WC)
Vs. Angel Escobedo (USA)

55 kg/121 lbs. – Angel Escobedo, Columbus, Ohio (New York AC)
Vs. Obe Blanc (USA)